Sergio Guzman of Dignity San Fernando recently wrote in to share information about his chapter's annual Dia de los Muertos celebration. He writes:

The Day of the Dead is an annual celebration for Dignity San Fernando Valley on or around All Souls Day. We have observed this feast every year since our chapter’s inception in 1996, but it has been enhanced greatly by the creativity of our very own Javier Lopez who has erected the ofrenda for the last 10 years with help from other chapter members. In the Mexican tradition, the altar is constructed with various levels leading up to a cross, often surmounting a floral arch. On each level religious statuettes, candles and flowers, especially marigolds, are placed along with tributes to the deceased. Photographs, mementos and even favorite foods and beverages that the dead enjoyed in life are included on the altar to “lure” the faithful departed to enjoy the evening with us once again. At our Saturday evening liturgy, we read the list of our deceased family members and other loved ones while attendees place votive candles on the ofrenda as they are so inclined. We enjoy a festive meal after our service on the church grounds or at a local establishment. This celebration is one that the Valley Chapter looks forward to every year.

Thanks for sharing these beautiful photos and traditions with your DignityUSA family, Dignity San Fernando!

DignityUSA's executive director, Marianne Duddy-Burke, is one of several LGBTQI Catholic leaders quoted in an article, "Animosity, attacks against LGBT Catholics create 'toxic atmosphere'," published in the National Catholic Reporter today. The article details several instances of hate crimes, hurtful rhetoric, and discrimination experienced by LGBTQI Catholics in recent months.

"I don't expect that anytime in my lifetime all Catholics will support people being gay or same-sex marriage, and that's fine," Marianne says, "but they do need to respect our rights to move safely in the world and not be harassed and called names, and not to have our access to health care, housing or jobs limited because of who we are.”

Though difficult to read, we encourage you to view the article… it’s unfortunate testimony that the work of DignityUSA is more important than ever.

DignityUSA launches online store

Just in time for the holiday shopping season, DignityUSA is selling special-edition 50th anniversary merchandise in a brand new online store. Want to share your Dignity pride with the world? Want to dress to impress at the Chicago conference and Jubilee celebration? You can pick up everything from coffee mugs, baby onesies, t-shirts, hoodies, and hats at our store.. all featuring Dignity's 50th Anniversary logo. And the best part? Your purchase helps fund Dignity's work for respect and justice for people of all genders, gender identities, and sexual orientations.

As part of our special grand opening celebration, we're offering all merchandise at a 10% discount--just add items to your cart and the discount will be automatically applied at checkout. Thank you for your support!

DignityUSA was asked to send a representative to a Mexico City gathering of leaders of all the LGBTI Catholic groups in Mexico as they determined whether to form a national network. They wanted to hear from us, as well as from a few other countries that have formed such coalitions, about the benefits of combining efforts, strategies for organizing, how to preserve local autonomy, and funding issues. Daniel Bender, a Dignity/Chicago member for more than 40 years, volunteered for this, and was a tremendous resource for the group. He notes that he was greatly moved by the diversity of those assembled, and how they were bound together by their tremendous devotion to the Gospel and their Catholic faith. He reported on powerful, moving liturgies and prayer sessions, great presentations, and thoughtful questions about the possibility of forming a national network. At the end of the weekend meeting, those present did agree to form a national group, and signed a covenant statement. Daniel has already been invited to next year’s gathering in Guadalajara! Thank you, Daniel, for strengthening DignityUSA’s relationships with our colleagues in Mexico!

To see more photos of Daniel's travels (and a video from an epic ice breaker), check out DignityUSA's Facebook page by clicking here.

Dignity/Los Angeles celebrates 49 years

On October 20th, Dignity/Los Angeles celebrated their 49th anniversary. Each fall, Dignity/Los Angeles celebrates the anniversary of its founding in 1969, as the first chapter of Dignity. (The chapter was officially established in the fall of 1969, although gatherings had been happening for over 6 months before then.) This year's celebration was held at Taix Restaurant, on Sunset Blvd., on October 20, 2018. DignityUSA board president, Chris Pett, was a guest speaker at the event.

As part of their annual anniversary celebration, Dignity/LA awards a cash grant to one or more worthy causes in the community that relate to the chapter's mission. This year two grants were awarded: one to the Los Angeles LGBT Center and one to the Point Foundation.

Right: David Kennedy who represented the Archdiocese's Catholic Ministry with Lesbian and Gay Persons (left) and renowned LA artist, John (right).

To see additional photos from the event, visit Dignity/Los Angeles' website by clicking here.

Happy anniversary, Dignity/Los Angeles!

Come see us in San Antonio!

DignityUSA is proud to celebrate Equally Blessed coalition partner, Call to Action, at their upcoming conference, November 9-11 in San Antonio. Will you be in town? Please stop by our outreach table and say hi!

Marianne will be part of a panel at the conference, and present at a reception for LGBTQI and allied conference attendees.